- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 33 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 3 buses that leave Wisconsin Dells, WI for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 263 km distance in an average of 4 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 5 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


FlixBus

FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $173.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $281 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 3m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $6 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $49 (€49).
A bus is $237 (€237) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $281 (€281).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 45m.
Bus takes on average 4h 33m.
You'll arrive about -2h -34m sooner (4h 33m by bus vs 2h 59m by car) and save roughly $-7.35 (€-7.35) compared to fuel and tolls ($43 (€43) vs $36 (€36)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:15 PM Wisconsin Dells, Commerce St (McDonald's), WI | 5h20 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 PM Wisconsin Dells, Commerce St (McDonald's), WI | 4h25 | 10:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
![]() | 1:20 AM Wisconsin Dells, Commerce St (McDonald's), WI | 3h55 | 5:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€28) but you can travel from only $20 (€20) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€28) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Wisconsin Dells, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Wisconsin Dells, Commerce St (McDonald's) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Use this guide to compare Wisconsin Dells, WI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need